Recall

With regard to training issues rather than behavioural problems, I am asked to correct recall more than any other problem, especially with working and gundog breeds. We are told that some breeds are un-trainable or that they can never be trusted off the lead. Beagles fall into this category, as do some of the Terrier breeds. I do not subscribe to this myth I believe all dogs can be trained but only up to their inbred ability. Read more

Puppy Obedience Basics

Puppy obedience starts from the moment you come home with your puppy. It is kept simple and you motivate your pup to do everything. There is no forcing here, keep it fun! Use small food treats and toys.

This will show leadership on your part and shape your pups behavior, which is much easier then changing bad behavior later on. Training your pup is a “lifestyle”! Remember you are training your pup all of the time and every time you interact with him. Even if you not thinking about training your puppy. Read more

Fearful and Timid Dogs

Stan Rawlinson (Doglistener) is a Dog Behaviourist and Obedience Trainer who has owned and worked dogs for over 25 years, starting with Gundogs then moving on to the behavioural and obedience side of Companion Dogs. He now has a successful practice covering London, Surrey and Middlesex you can visit his Web Site at www.doglistener.co.uk or E-mail him on enquiries@doglistener.co.uk founder member of PAACT Professional Association of Applied Canine Trainers www.paact.co.uk

Socialization is so vitally important that it almost outweighs all other considerations. The fear of infections has led breeders and owners alike to make the tragic mistake of keeping their puppies isolated until they have completed their vaccinations. By taking this stance they risk ending up with a fearful, timid dog that may become aggressive in later life, (FACT) “95% of all reported dog bites are fear related”. Read more

A Time For Reflection

The horrific attack by two Rottweiler’s on five-month-old Cadey-Lee Deacon, who subsequently died of her injuries. Has led to an outcry to ban this breed and licence all dogs and dog owners.

This terrible tragedy strikes a chord in all right minded people. We ask ourselves how could it happen, and why did it happen. The press as expected moved into top gear reporting further attacks by Rottweiler’s and other breeds, including what was described as an Irish Staffordshire Bull Terrier. Read more

Dog Training Part 2 – Pack Rules

This article is part two of a two-part series on Dog Pack Leadership skills. If you want to be the pack leader, then you need to remember the following four facts:

1. Dog training is not magic.

2. Put your ego aside.

3. Dogs can hear.

4. Learn the pack rules.

(Items 1 through 3 are explained in Dog Training part 1 — Pack Leadership) Read more

Dog Training Part 1 – Pack Leader

This article is part one of a two-part series on Dog Pack Leadership skills.

Training behaviors like sit, down or stay will help you to control your dog’s actions but they will not put you in charge. Until you establish yourself as the pack leader then you will have to keep your dog on leash and under constant supervision. This means you will need to continually and consistently maintain the environment and your dog’s response to, or interaction with, everything in the environment. Read more

It’s Not My Fault! – Inadvertently Reinforced Bad Behaviors

Now here’s an alarming fact: Every interaction you have with your dog results in his learning something, whether you intentionally meant to train him or not! In a young dog, this is especially significant, since he has less of a history with you and so each interaction has a greater impact.

So what are the most common unintentionally trained bad behaviors?! See if these sound familiar… Read more

The Sit Exercise

All mannerly dogs should know that sitting is the best way to encourage people to say hello!

Step 1: Teach your dog to sit on command. Stand up, show the dog a treat in your hand, say “Sit!” and lift the treat up and back over the dog’s nose (aim for about four inches above and in line between the dog’s ears). Most dogs will track the treat with their eyes, causing the head to go up and back, while the rear end naturally goes down onto the floor. Voilá! You have a sitting dog. Immediately say “Yes!” and give the dog the treat. If the dog backs up or jumps up, you are likely holding your hand too far away from the dog’s nose. You can also practice by a wall so the dog can’t back away from you. Get the dog standing up again and repeat the procedure.

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Teach Your Dog Not To Jump By Using the “Off” Command

Dogs try to get attention in various ways, one of which is by jumping up on people.  You can help train your dog to not jump up on people by teaching him / her the “off” command. 

First, begin by attaching a leash to your dog’s collar, to prevent jumping on you and then running away.  Then tell your dog “off” and then “sit”, help your dog to get in the position without using force, and then praise your dog for doing the command correctly.  When praising your dog, try not to sound too excited, because it will also get your dog excited and reinforce their bad habit.

Source: Purina.com

How To Train Your Dog To Heel

When training your dog to heel, it’s important to remember that you need to find a way to keep your dog’s interest and attention centered on you during your walks.  This can be achieved by:

• Giving your dog a reason to stay by your side
• Talking to your dog
• Telling your dog to “sit”
• Stopping in the middle of your walk to have your dog lie down for a brief second

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